Demolition likely for Astrodome as voters nix plan

HOUSTON (AP) -- Texas voters have rejected a plan to convert the shuttered Houston Astrodome into a convention center and have likely doomed the iconic stadium to demolition.

Tuesday's referendum would have authorized Harris County to issue up to $217 million in bonds to turn the world's first multipurpose domed stadium into a giant convention and exhibition space.

The so-called "Eighth Wonder of the World" opened in 1965 and was once home to the Houston Astros and Houston Oilers. But the Astrodome hasn't been home to a professional team since 1999, and it was closed to all events in 2009.

Preservation groups have pushed for the stadium to be reborn. However, local leaders have said it would likely be razed if Tuesday's referendum failed.